#United States #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Cynara Appling #Teacher of the Year

Florida Southern College Awards Full Scholarship to Teacher of the Year

Florida Southern College has recently celebrated the achievements of Cynara Appling, who was recognized as Polk County's Teacher of the Year for 2024. Cynara, a dedicated educator at Spook Hill Elementary in Lake Wales, is set to embark on an enriching academic journey this May, pursuing a Master of Education in Transformational Curriculum and Instruction, bolstered by a full scholarship from the college.

During a ceremony held at the college, Cynara met with Dr. Lori Rakes, the Dean of the School of Education, who applauded her substantial contributions to the educational landscape of Polk County. Dr. Rakes emphasized the college's commitment to supporting exceptional educators and fostering their professional growth in the field. "Education has the transformative power to shape future generations, and we are thrilled to support Cynara in enhancing her skills as a leader in education," stated Dr. Rakes.

Cynara's innovative teaching methods, such as her engaging kinesthetic word wall and 'chem café' lesson plans, have not only spurred academic success among her students but also cultivated a genuine love for learning. Through her work, she has shown a remarkable dedication to both her students and the wider community, underlining the reasons she earned the prestigious title of Polk County Teacher of the Year.

"I am ecstatic," exclaimed Cynara. "Pursuing this master's program has always been a dream of mine, and Florida Southern giving me this opportunity is truly a dream come true. I'm enthusiastic about the broader impact I might have on my students and the community as a whole. I’ve always envisioned myself guiding new educators or potentially teaching at the collegiate level, and I believe this degree will make that vision come to life."

Florida Southern College is eager to welcome Cynara into its School of Education, where she will be among like-minded educators committed to excellence in teaching and leadership. The college trusts that Cynara's educational journey will not only enhance her professional skills but also contribute to the overarching mission of developing future leaders in the education sector.

About Florida Southern College

Established in 1883, Florida Southern College stands as the oldest private institution in Florida. The college prides itself on maintaining a robust commitment to academic excellence across more than 70 undergraduate programs, alongside distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, Florida Southern has gained recognition as a national leader in engaged learning. It boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships and is ranked highly among regional universities by U.S. News & World Report, which awarded it 11th among "Best Regional Universities in the South" in 2025.

The college continues to excel academically and proudly holds an AACSB accreditation for its Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, along with prestigious rankings in various educational guides, including The Princeton Review and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Cynara's commitment to making a difference in the educational community exemplifies the caliber of educators that Florida Southern College seeks to support and enhance through its programs. The institution's mission is not just about academic growth, but also about shaping the future of education through inspired leadership and constant innovation.